To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.
As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Oak Knoll's 3-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Oak Knoll's trails meander through freshwater wetlands, woodlands, and uplands, along boardwalks, and across beautiful landscapes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.
Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.
Responsibilities
As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:
Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings
Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed
Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer
Virtual training will be provided and required.
Requirements
Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check
Watch Trail Steward volunteer training
Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering
Commit to:
Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month
Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails
Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing
Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails
Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation.
Safety
Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training.
Schedule
Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.
Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.
Next Steps
To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.
